Archive for Category: "Passports & Customs"
Preclearance Program Good For Governments, Passengers, Airlines: Why Not Expand It?
Have you ever landed after a long trip abroad only to get stuck in a long line at customs? Turns out the delay might not be necessary. The Travel Detective reports on the growing trend of preclearance programs and how expanding them could be a win-win for governments, passengers and airlines. If I were running [...]
Destination USA: Four Ways To Improve America’s Tattered Welcome Mat For Foreign Travelers
Is America a welcoming travel destination for foreigners? Not so much, say some experts. Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, sits down with Peter to discuss how we’re in the lost decade of U.S. travel and how his organization’s campaign to reform the U.S. visa system may fix the problem. Peter Greenberg: [...]
U.S. Travel Association Releases New Aviation Security Blueprint: Will Government Listen?
The U.S. Travel Association (USTA) recently released a report entitled, “A Better Way: Building a World-Class System for Aviation Security,” which outlined some key elements for improving and streamlining air travel today. Why? Because unnecessary hassles related to the security screening process are costing the U.S. billions in lost travel revenue. Peter sat down with [...]
Birthing Tourism: Foreign Moms Using Travel To Gain American Citizenship For Newborns
Southern California lawmakers called for immigration law improvements on Thursday after a business catering to “birthing tourism” was shut down earlier this month. On March 8, officials closed down three townhouses in San Gabriel that were operating as maternity wards for foreign expectant mothers intent upon giving birth to their children in the United States. [...]
America’s New Entry Fee Riles Canadians, Could Hurt Travel And Trade
Canadians flying or sailing into the United States may soon have to pay an entry fee, a move that has created political and financial tensions between the neighboring countries. The proposed fee would charge Canadians a $5.50 passenger inspection fee and is part of President Obama’s 2012 draft budget presented to Congress last month. The [...]
New Fees From Foreign Travelers To Fund USA Travel Promotions
New Fees From Foreign Travelers To Fund USA Travel Promotions Starting Wednesday, visitors from 36 countries can expect to pay a new travel fee when they visit the United States. The majority of the proceeds for the new fee will support the promotion of U.S. tourism, though opponents argue that the fee will discourage visitors. [...]
Travel Tip: Increased Passport Fees
Did you hear the news that passport fees went up recently? It’s not great news for travelers, but that certainly shouldn’t stop you from getting a passport. According to the Department of State, the cost of a new passport application for an adult went from $100 to $135. If you’re renewing, that price jumped from [...]
Passport Fees Rising for Americans
American globetrotters will need to shell out 35 percent more for passport fees starting July 13, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs announced recently. The cost of getting a new, adult passport will jump from $100 to $135. For minors under 16, the cost will increase by 25 percent, from $85 to $105. [...]
